Residential Roofing Blog

Replacing a roof is a big project. There are a lot of factors that a roofing contractor considers when preparing an estimate for a homeowner.

•Size: Roofers measure in "squares" which is equal to 100 square feet. The more squares, the more material, labor, and so on that will be needed to complete the project.

•Pitch: Pitch is how steep the slope of the roof is. A steep roof will require more safety precautions, more preparation and staging, and more or different equipment. It will also determine the types of materials used to ensure the roof is watertight and long-lasting.

•Existing Roof Type: The type of roof that is being replaced also affects the costs as well as how many layers of old roofing materials are there. Time and costs to remove and dispose of the old roof are a factor in the total roof replacement quote.

•New Roof Style: The materials and style of the new roof plays a part in the final estimate. Asphalt shingles are a cost effective material and come in differing styles and prices.

•Other materials: In addition to the shingles, there are other materials needed to complete a roofing project. Underlayment, replacement decking, ventilation system, insulation, and types of fasteners needed all come in to play.

•Access: How easy is it to get to the roof? How high is the roof? Are there obstacles to accessing the roof? The more difficult it is to access the roof, the more the cost may be to replace it. Some contractors have special equipment that make access easier and safer.

•Finishing Details: Finishing touches that result in a good looking roof, details such as painting and neat flashing might also be taken into consideration by a roofing contractor when preparing the estimate.

•Permits: If special permits need to be purchased to complete the job, these will also factor into final cost.

•Repair: Is there damage to the roof, deck, or soffit and fascia? If these will need to be repaired before a new roof can be installed there may be additional notes on the estimate sheet.

•Chimneys, Skylights, etc: If there are chimneys, skylights, or other roof obstacles these will need to be inspected and determine if they will need new flashing, repair, seals and if they make it difficult to work around when installing the new roof.

•Gutters & Downspouts: Are the gutters and downspouts in good condition? This is another possible cost to replacing a roof that the contractor and homeowner can discuss.

•Taxes: Depending where you live, there may be taxes on materials and labor costs.

•Other: A reputable, honest roofing company will carry all the proper insurance, and licenses. These can be very expensive and may influence a contractors labor costs as well as the experience of the company and its crews.

When you are reviewing your roofing estimate keep in mind that price isn't the only factor. Do you feel comfortable meeting with the contractor and feel they were knowledgeable? Do they have a solid background and reputation? If so, then they may be the best choice, even if not the lowest total price.

Many people try to do their own home repairs. It is easy to look at instructions and videos online and try to tackle a repair themselves. When it comes to roof repair and replacement, however, hiring a roofing professional is worth it.

A professional roofer has years of experience. No video can give you the knowledge the comes from years of training and practice. A professional roofer also knows about the materials and tools needed to get the job done correctly. Roofing is more complex that it initially seems and missing a small point can lead to problems later. An experienced roofer will also know where to look for the root of the problem, what caused the leak or damage in the first place. A professional roofing company will be licensed and insured. New roofs installed by a professional roofing company come with warranties. DIY projects can't get help for faulty work or materials.

Climbing up on a roof is dangerous work. Falls from roofs are a common occurrence. A professional roofer has been trained in the proper way to move materials to the rooftop and has all the safety equipment and experience needed to get the job done safely.

Repair or replacing a residential roof is a big job. It can take a professional roofing crew two or more days to finish a home. A DIY job will take much longer as it lacks the proper tools, equipment, know-how, and man power. A DIYer will need to look up instructions and refer to reference materials while a professional already knows how to get the task completed. Not only is getting it done quickly more convenient, but the roof is exposed during the process, which can result in further or developing problems.

Doing it yourself, as opposed to hiring a professional contractor doesn't save as much money as it might seem. Roofing companies can get materials at a discounted rate so they get better quality materials for the dollar. A DIY project will most likely require purchasing new tools. There are long term costs resulting from mistakes, improper materials and installation. Professionally roofed homes have fewer maintenance cost in the long run.

If there is a possibility you will be selling your home in coming years, hiring a qualified professional roofer adds value to your home. In addition to design and curb appeal, a home inspector will recognize a professionally installed roof. Warranties will transfer to the new owner and they will also have access to the information on the roof's materials and construction. These things give potential buyers peace of mind therefore making your home more desirable.

Before you climb onto your roof, consider all the benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor to get the job done right.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality roofs on homes in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.www.craiggoukerroofing.com (412)664-7679

Drip edge is another important and sometimes overlook part or a roofing or re-roofing job. Even though manufacturers recommend it, and some require it for a valid warranty, some contractors do not include drip edge on their estimates.

Drip edge is metal strips applied along gutter lines, eaves and some rakes. It stops water from getting under the shingles and damaging the deck plywood and protects fascia. Properly applied drip edge will lengthen the life of the roof and further protect the home from water damage.

Drip edge is not expensive to include in a roof replacement project and the benefits greatly outway the cost.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South & East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.www.craiggoukerroofing.com (412)664-7679

One item that should be included on every roof replacement estimate is underlayment. Underlayment is a layer of protective material between the roof deck or plywood and the shingles. Often called felt paper, it is the first layer of waterproofing for your roof.

In addition to the standard felt paper there are new types of underlayment. Some manufacturers reinforce the underlayment with fiberglass to strengthen and resist tearing, make installation easier and improve its waterproofing effectiveness.

Manufacturers are constantly developing new underlayments. Newer synthetic underlayments further increase the effectiveness of and ease & safety to install underlayment and increase longevity. Some manufacturers have developed organic and green underlayment products.

It is usually recommended to use underlayment from the same manufacturer as your shingles as they are designed to work together and it may be required for a valid warranty.

A contractor will choose the best type of underlayment for your roof replacement based on the type of roof and climate in which you live. If you have any questions regarding their choice, they are the best resource for your specific project.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South & East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.www.craiggoukerroofing.com (412)664-7679

Some homeowners or contractors will install a new layer of shingles over the old one to save time or money. Most roofing contractors do not recommend this for several reasons. In some areas building codes don’t allow this. The homeowner or contractor should always check with the city, township, etc. before installing shingles over old ones. By not removing the old shingles, the contractor cannot see if there are other problems underneath such as rotten or missing wood. Removing the old layer also allows access to install new protective membranes to keep the roof watertight. Shingles installed on each other often tend to buckle. Doubling the roofing layer adds significant weight that the roof structure may not be designed to withstand. While not removing the old layer may save time and money initially, the lifespan of the roof is drastically reduced and will need to be replaced sooner. Most roofing manufacturers will not cover warranty claims when their materials are installed over old.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.www.craiggoukerroofing.com (412)664-7679

For more information on purchasing a new shingle roof. Check out our Roof Replacement Buyers' Guide on our Resources Page.

Replacing a roof is a labor-intensive project and, depending on the type of roof, could take anywhere from a few days to 2 or more weeks. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather. Wind, snow, rain, or even just the forecast of bad weather and will slow the process considerably.Another factor that affects the length of the project is the condition of the decking. Once the old roof is removed, damage to the wood and structure under the old roof may be exposed. Repairing this damage can extend the duration of the project.

For built-up roofs, removing and replacing the roof will probably proceed at a rate of approximately 1,500 square feet per day. For single-ply roofs, the rate is closer to 2,000 to 4,000 square feet per day. Careful planning and close project management can reduce some of the delays caused by bad weather.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.www.craiggoukerroofing.com (412)664-7679